Yimba

A Short Documentary by Emily Rastas & Craig Reasons

Funding Proposal

1. Project Summary

Title: YIMBA

Filmmakers: Emily Rastas & Craig Reasons

Location: Uganda — filming primarily in Kampala

Filming Dates: Late August – Early September 2025

Duration: Approx. 15–30 minutes

Logline:

A short documentary following Australian designer Emily Rastas as she brings her sustainable fashion practice, Emipeli, to Uganda — empowering fashion students at local charity Yimba through creativity, upcycling, and design activism.

Synopsis:

This visually rich documentary captures a cross-cultural exchange of sustainable fashion practices. Set in Uganda, the film follows Emily as she collaborates with students and staff at Yimba, introducing them to Emipeli’s design philosophy rooted in slow fashion, joy, and community. Through intimate interviews, hands-on workshops, and vibrant storytelling, the documentary celebrates resilience, artistry, and the power of ethical design. Audiences will witness how creativity can transform not only garments but lives, offering new perspectives on sustainability and global solidarity.

2. Objectives & Impact

• Empower local students with accessible, sustainable fashion techniques.

• Celebrate cultural exchange between Australian and Ugandan fashion communities.

• Highlight the global relevance of upcycling and slow fashion in education.

• Create an inspiring resource for fashion educators, students, and sustainability advocates worldwide.

• Raise awareness of the work of Yimba and promote future collaborations.

  • Lead Artist and Educator

    Finnish-Australian designer and artist behind Emipeli Design. Emily’s background includes fashion at RMIT, costume design, and immersive art installations. She’s known for her work in education, sustainable fashion, prosthetic sculpture, costume and visual art. Her practice emphasizes storytelling through wearable art, encouraging self-expression and environmental responsibility.

  • Film Maker

    Award winning Film Maker

4. Visual Style & Structure

Tone: Joyful, intimate, and immersive

Visuals:

• Bright, textured footage capturing the vibrancy of Ugandan life

• Handheld shots emphasizing human connection and tactile detail

• Close-ups of textile work and design processes

Structure:

• Introduction to Emily and the philosophy behind Emipeli Design

• Arrival in Uganda and building rapport with Yimba and its students

• Workshop sessions showcasing sustainable techniques and creative exchange

• Personal reflections from Emily, students, and staff on sustainability, creativity, and community impact

• Closing with student showcases, outcomes, and future aspirations

5. Budget Overview

Funds will be used for:

        •      Preparation / preproduction

• Airfares and local travel for 2 people

• Accommodation and meals during filming

• Hiring local production support and translators as needed

• Equipment rental for high-quality visuals and sound

• Post-production editing, sound mixing, and colour grading

• Creating promotional materials for festival submissions and online release

6. Distribution & Audience

We aim to distribute this film via:

• Australian and international film festivals

• Online platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, and educational streaming services

• Screenings in collaboration with Yimba and fashion schools in both Uganda and Australia

• Social media networks connected to sustainability, design, and global education

Target Audience:

• Fashion educators and students

• Sustainability and slow fashion advocates

• Documentary film audiences interested in cultural exchange and social impact

• Creative communities passionate about art as activism

Budget

$33,550

Next Steps

We’re currently seeking funding partners to bring this meaningful project to life. We would love to discuss potential collaborations, co-productions, or funding opportunities.

Amount raised

$5,000